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UK Personal Loan Guide
Personal Loans are offered by
lending institutions such as banks and building societies. They are available
in a variety of formats. Detailed below is a quick and easy guide to Personal
Loans.
Step 1 - Which Loan? Personal
Loans are available in varying amounts and usually depend upon the purpose for
which you require the loan. The amount borrowed usually varies from £500
upwards. The amount borrowed is usually repayable over a period of between 6
months and 10 years. Lenders charge interest rates on the amount borrowed.
Their rates can either be fixed or variable. If the rate is variable, the rate
changes with market forces and could change the amount you repay. Fixed rates
offer more certainty but can be at a higher rate. As a general guide, it is
advisable to compare the Annual Percentage Rate, (A.P.R) of different lenders.
Depending upon your circumstances, Personal Loans can either be secured or
unsecured. Secured Personal Loans have your property set against them as
security for the amount borrowed. The interest rate on home owner loans tends
to be lower than unsecured loans. Personal Loans are repayable on a monthly
basis at a fixed amount. However, some lenders offer the option of
over-payments or under-payments that could assist you with your personal
circumstances.
Step 2 - How Do I Apply? Lending
institutions offer you the option of taking a Personal Loan either in person,
via written application, over the phone, or on-line. Assessments can be made
very quickly. Your income and financial commitment details are collated
together to see whether or not you can afford to take on the Personal Loan. The
suitability of the Loan itself for its intended purpose is also assessed.
Lenders use credit scoring facilities and credit reference agencies to assess
your suitability. Credit Scoring assesses your personal statistics, for example
your age and occupation and each statistic is given a score. This is to
ascertain which broad category of borrower you fit into. Credit reference
agencies provide a detailed analysis of your own financial position. In
particular, any county court judgements, (C.C.J's) which you may have, details
of previous credit searches against you and details held on the electoral roll
about you. If you are refused a Personal Loan or wish to make enquiries
concerning your own credit file, you can apply to the credit reference agencies
for a copy of your credit file. A small fee will be charged for this service.
Details may be obtained from your lender.
Step 3 - How Am I Protected? UK
Personal Loans are governed by the Consumer Credit Act. The Act contains strict
regulations about how money is lent and covers loans up to a value of
£25,000. When taking out a Personal Loan you will be asked to sign a
credit agreement. Read this through carefully before you sign, as you will be
bound by its terms. Some Lenders offer insurance policies or payment protection
schemes to protect you in the event of accident, illness or redundancy.
However, cover may vary and you should check with your individual lender what a
particular policy or scheme covers, or more importantly, excludes. If you do
have difficulty making your repayments, seek advice from your lender
immediately. The earlier the better and the more sympathetic they will be. For
example, they may accept an underpayment, (see STEP 2 above) until you get
yourself back on your feet. Alternatively, you can seek advice from a voluntary
organisation. |
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